4 Paws Blog

​ In this time of uncertainty, as we are cooped up in our homes, many of us have found ourselves with a furry friend by our side as we work, go about our days, and try to remain optimistic. Now more than ever, gentle purrs and sloppy kisses are helping to keep spirits up and remind us that better days lie ahead. As our pets become a shining light in a world of confusion, Cape Ann Animal Aid is dedicated to helping members of the community keep pets in their homes through this trying time. Families should never need to surrender an animal due to the financial strain of feeding a pet. It’s one of the many reasons that we are partnered with The Open Door, Gloucester’s food pantry, through our Food for Pets program. Surplus food is regularly donated to the pantry, to be distributed to families in need within the community, helping to ensure that they are able to keep their animal companions.

We are continuing this work throughout the crisis, as we know many families are experiencing financial hardships at this time. CAAA dropped off 622 lbs of dog and cat food today at The Open Door to help them continue to provide for families in need. It is our goal to continue providing assistance to these families through our Food for Pets program, to prevent the need to surrender due to an inability to purchase food. If you have UNOPENED canned or dry food to donate, please leave them by CAAA’s front door on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to Noon.

We are continuing to provide food for the pets in foster care, as well. Foster parents have opened their homes to a pet (or two, or more!), and we aim to make this job as easy as possible by providing all necessary food and other supplies. If you would like to donate food and supplies for these pets, you can order through our amazon wishlist, which will be shipped directly to the shelter.

The Open Door operates the Gloucester Food Pantry, open Monday-Friday from 10am-5pm for Curbside Pickup, the Ipswich Food Pantry, open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11am-4pm for Curbside Pickup, and Community Meals, available Monday-Friday between 3pm-5pm for Curbside Pickup of take-out meals. If you work during this time, or are quarantined and unable to pick up groceries, you call 978-283-6776 or email gethelp@foodpantry.org Learn more at foodpantry.org.